Reel Social Club founders Katie Shapiro and Jenny Bloom. (Jordan Dickinson, Special to The Denver Post)

Just when you think life is getting to be too much of a roller coaster … well, hop on a real one Thursday night when the Denver Film Society hosts a fundraiser at Lakeside Amusement Park, 4601 Sheridan Blvd.

“Summer Scream at Lakeside” runs from 6-11 p.m. and will have unlimited rides, a beer garden, libation stations, an outdoor film screening, live street performers, and DJ sets. The park will be closed to the public during that time.

“Summer Scream at Lakeside” is being organized by members of the Reel Social Club, a division of the Denver Film Society that was created specifically for young, urban cinephiles who will become the DFS’ next generation of supporters. It was launched in July, 2010, by Jenny Bloom and Katie Shapiro, who are committed to introducing more young people to the local film culture through exclusive parties, private screenings, and film festival experiences.

“After such a successful first year, we really wanted to maintain the momentum we’ve built and create a signature end-of-summer celebration for the cultural community,” says Bloom.

“No other Denver cultural organization has done an event of this scale at Lakeside before. We’re excited to give people a unique opportunity to experience this classic Denver landmark,” adds Denver Film Society executive director Tom Botelho. “Reel Social Club plays a big role in the future of our organization and this event will become one of the DFS’ biggest fundraising efforts throughout the year.”

Reel Social Club members each receive one complimentary admission to “Summer Scream at Lakeside.” Guests are welcome for a $35 fee, with proceeds going to the DFS. For membership information or to purchase tickets, visit denverfilm.org

The Reel Social Club has 200 paid members and hopes to increase the number by selling memberships that night. Dues are $60 per year.

Study after study has shown that when it comes to charitable fundraisers, Denver has more per capita than any comparably sized city in the nation. Joanne Davidson has been covering them for The Denver Post since 1985, coming here from her native California where she'd spent the previous seven years as San Francisco bureau chief for U.S. News & World Report magazine.